When Fall Is Coming

In a quiet Burgundy village, Michelle savors the rhythm of retirement near her lifelong friend Marie-Claude. When Valérie, a Parisian mother, drops off her son Lucas for a school break, the old routine is jolted. Under stress, Michelle serves a dish she believes will calm everyone, only to discover the day has taken a risky turn. Valérie leaves with Lucas and forbids her mother from seeing the boy again, leaving Michelle overwhelmed by guilt and a growing sense of isolation. Soon the door to change opens when Marie-Claude's son leaves prison, inviting new pressures and fragile bonds to reenter this retreating circle.

Directed by François Ozon, the film comes from a concept by Philippe Piazzo, marking another collaboration that sits within Ozon's varied cinematic repertoire. It is presented as a sharp blend of drama, suspense and lighthearted humor that plays out in intimate spaces and the rhythms of village life. Its photography and pacing subtly enhance the mood.

The film grossed about 5.7 million dollars worldwide, with a total box office reported at $5,675,601. It played in arthouse venues, national multiplexes in select markets, and festival circuits, reflecting modest but steady audience interest and a life beyond the initial release.

Critics note a tonal blend of drama, thriller and comedy that probes aging, family conflict and loneliness in a close knit village. The script balances brisk dialogue with quiet, humane moments, letting everyday hazards and misunderstandings unfold without melodrama. The performances from Hélène Vincent, Josiane Balasko, and Ludivine Sagnier anchor the film's uneasy humor and emotional weight, giving the story depth and warmth.

The film's mix of domestic realism and suspense could spark conversations about aging, autonomy, and the ways a small town absorbs family upheavals. Its tonal blend may invite audiences to reexamine elder care and the quiet resilience of community bonds.